The capital of the Peach State is a world apart from the rest of Georgia. Outside of Atlanta, you’ll find suburbs, farmland, rolling hills, and as much of the southern accent as you could possibly want. But in the city center, you’ll find a much more racially and ethnically diverse population, as well as a huge southern hub for all things modern, chic, and street.
I grew up here, in the greater Atlanta area. I never thought of it as a beautiful place, or one that was very Instagrammable. The city of Atlanta isn’t a walkable city like New York, and it’s mostly comprised of office buildings instead of small businesses or cool shops and restaurants. We don’t have many nature spots close by, and you’ll have to drive an hour or so out to get to most forests or mountains. We’re also a landlocked city, so don’t expect beautiful natural lakes or beaches here, either.
Still, anywhere is full of beauty if you look hard enough! And believe me, I’m always on the lookout for more beautiful spots in my home city. After I got into photography, I started seeking beauty more in Atlanta and was pleased with what I found!
About Atlanta…
Atlanta has a rich culture that mixes its Southern roots with its modern and progressive metropolitan heart, making it one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the southern United States. There are plenty of beautiful spots in Atlanta—you just have to know where to look!
This is my master list of Instagrammable spots in Atlanta. I update this list whenever I find new spots, so bookmark this one for future reference!
🚗 By the way, the easiest (and really only) way to get around Atlanta is by car. I recommend booking a rental car on Rentalcars.com to make life easy!
Ponce City Market
Tap into your inner hipster by exploring Ponce City Market, which is beautiful in a rustic-meets-chic and admittedly slightly gentrified way. The market is crammed full of delightfully arranged beautiful shops from various businesses, many of them small and sustainably owned, while the bottom floor boasts an array of restaurants and cafes. You could probably simply stand in the middle of the floor and get a great Instagram shot, but I think the shops have the best interior setups — as long as you get permission, of course!
Not only is Ponce City Market a wonderful and popular space to walk around and spend the weekend afternoons, but it’s also definitely one of the most Instagrammable spots in Atlanta.
Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline is an urban paved trail built on one of Atlanta’s historical railroads. Think of the Highline in New York City, combine it with Atlanta’s famous street art scene, and you have the Beltline — a perfect place for running, biking, and exploring new murals.
I love the Beltline because it’s such a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city (literally!) and is constantly evolving and changing. Best of all, it’s connected to Ponce City Market, so you can do both in one day! Here are a couple of my favorite art pieces, but by no means let this limit you from exploring the rest.
Blue Flower Mural
This wall mural is slightly elevated and has a little coffee shop window built into it, but I’ve never actually seen anyone at the window. The first time I saw this one, I fell in love! The brightly colored pastel flowers show up so well against the navy blue background. There is a large wooden telephone wire pole right in the middle of this mural that spoils the shot a bit, so I would recommend either shooting from the side at an angle or doing a close-up.
Soon Barrels
This is an interesting art piece located at the same complex as the blue flowers. Honestly, I have no idea what the “soon” in question is supposed to mean, and unfortunately there’s no description from the artist on location, but you could take this plenty of ways. I chose to shoot a happy and hopeful shot, naturally, but I could totally see this being a grunge or post-apocalyptic shoot, too!
Koi Fish Mural
This massive koi fish mural is my absolute favorite out of all the beautiful murals on the Atlanta Beltline. Located under a bridge, this mural spans the entire width of the underpass — and has a mural on both sides! On one face, you’ll find these beautiful koi fish (you can also find them scattered through the Old Fourth Ward), and on the other, you’ll find a bright and colorful mural made of dots.
Georgia Aquarium
Did you know that the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States? For some reason, despite that fact that we’re entirely landlocked, we boast the biggest aquarium title! This place is fun to visit even if you aren’t looking for an Instagram photo, but with beluga whales, moon jellyfish, whale sharks, and a massive glass tunnel under the water, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find a perfect shot.
🎟️ Want to see the aquarium and more? Consider getting the Atlanta CityPASS, which gives you admission to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and Zoo Atlanta, and 2 more attractions of your choice.
However, it can be quite dim here (for the animals’ sake), so I would recommend bringing a low light lens if you can. Even if you don’t manage to get the best photos, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the most beautiful places in Atlanta.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is a large green space in downtown Atlanta. As you might expect, there are several walking trails, but there’s also a small lake, a playing field, a swimming pool, a dog park, and picnic tables. The park makes a fantastic backdrop no matter what season you’re there, and you’re sure to spot some cute dogs!
Skyline View Pond
This reflective pond has the perfect view of the famous Atlanta skyline, encapsulating all the best things in a viewpoint: mirror-image water, lush trees, and soaring skyscrapers. In my opinion, I think fall is best time to be here, because the rust and gold trees look amazing against the blue sky!
But don’t fret if you’re not here in autumn — regardless of season, it’s sure to make your day. If you want to take a shot with you in it here, you might want to try using a zoom lens to see more detail in the background.
Lake Gazebo
The small lake in Piedmont Park is home to a huge gazebo that sits out on a small jetty. I’ve never been able to get a shot here as there’s always someone sitting inside — which is a testament to the loveliness of the structure, and its popularity! It’s also one of the largest pond gazebos I’ve ever seen, making it a great place for a little picnic as well.
High Museum of Art
I may be slightly biased because I love art museums, but the Atlanta High Museum of Art never disappoints when it comes to interesting (and Instagrammable!) exhibits. From the giant fruit installation in the outside courtyard to the optical illusion house, you’re sure to find plenty of fascinating artworks in their home collection that fit your aesthetic.
Not to mention, they often host incredible temporary installations from guest artists or collections. For example, Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror rooms were hosted here for a few months, and we’ve all seen how Instagrammable those are. Make sure to check the High Museum of Art website for upcoming events, current exhibitions, and other important information.
Krog Street Tunnel
If you like street art styles or the grunge aesthetic, this place is for you. An underpass tunnel, completely — and I meant completely — painted over with graffiti, street art installations, and murals. New artists are constantly coming to try their own hand at adding to Krog Street Tunnel, and don’t be surprised if you see some street artists with their spray paint cans here if you visit!
Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is lovely at any time of year. With huge flower exhibits, a greenhouse, ponds, and sculptures from renowned artist Dale Chihuly, it’s a treat to walk around these gardens. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is stunning from end to end and one of the prettiest places to visit in Atlanta!
Their seasonal exhibits are even more interesting, decking the gardens out in hundreds of thousands of multicolored lights for the Christmas season, orchids in the summer, and multiple temporary exhibits such as Alice in Wonderland. It’s a bit pricey to visit, but I think it’s definitely worth it.
🌳 If you want to discover the Atlanta Botanical Garden and all of Atlanta’s stunning nature with your own private guide, check out this City in a Forest Private Atlanta Nature Tour.
Old Fourth Ward Pond
Atlanta doesn’t have much in the way of bodies of water, but the small pieces that we do are always lovely. The pond at the historic Old Fourth Ward is one such structure. With a crisscross of boardwalks, and often featuring performances and musicians, this is also a great place to just come out and people watch as well.
Midtown Rainbow Crosswalks
Compared to the rest of Georgia, Atlanta is a huge liberal hub. Our 4-way rainbow crosswalk intersection, a symbol of Pride, was made a permanent installation in 2017. It’s definitely a wonderful and happy place to take a photo, especially if you come during the riotous and joyful Pride parades in the summer!
This is an active intersection, so pay attention to traffic if you want to take a photo here. Atlanta drivers are not the best and it’s better to keep an eye out for yourself instead of relying on their skills.
Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain is a massive granite mound just east of Atlanta. Anyone who grew up in Georgia has their own stories about hiking up the mountain with friends or family, because we’ve all done it! In fact, it was a yearly tradition for me and my friends.
Stone Mountain is a whole park area complete with a charming old-fashioned village that’s certainly fantastic for photo-taking, but my favorite spot is at the apex of the mountain at sunrise — you get really wonderful views, and it’s not too strenuous of a climb to begin with.
You can choose to hike up the relatively short trail to catch views from the top, or hop on the cable car if you’re feeling too lazy. The Stone Mountain hike is only about 30 minutes and is relatively tame, except for one steep section near the very top that can be a bit slippery.
The views from the expansive lawn are also not to be missed, as it shows the massive granite face of the mountain carved with the likeness of 4 Southern generals— and also features a laser show nightly in the summer.
⛰️ Stone Mountain is a large park and has so much to do—trains, cable cars, hiking, laser shows—it’s hard to know where to start. Consider this Stone Mountain Park Sightseeing Tour instead.
Krog Street Market
Close to the Krog Street Tunnel and also adjacent to the Atlanta Beltline, Krog Street Market is a smaller version of Ponce City Market. It’s a bit more intimate, and can become very crowded, but I think we all know that the most crowded food spots are often the best.
Arabia Mountain
Arabia Mountain features a very gentle and short hike that’s best taken in the spring. It’s one of the most unique hikes in Georgia, with pools of water that form in the rock, and these alien-like pink flowers that grow straight out of the stone face. We came for a sunrise hike and it was wonderful seeing the light rays in the reflective pools! Tip: come here the day after it’s rained if you can to get the best photos of the reflections.
East Palisades Trail
The Chattahoochee River area is incredibly photogenic, and not just for the water — there are also miles of trails in quaint little forests that are a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of the city. The East Palisades Trail boasts an incredible bamboo forest at the end of a relaxing 2-mile hike. Walk your way over to the marker for EP26, where you’ll find this stunning sight that’ll transport you straight to Asia.
Cute Cafes in Atlanta
Here’s a separate section for the most Instagrammable cafes in Atlanta…because let’s be honest, we all LOVE cafes. They’re cute, stylish, and always smell like freshly baked pastries and coffee!
Cultivate
This cute and chic cafe has a great airy feel with the natural lighting, fun patterns, and wonderful brunch. For a café very close to some of the more affluent greater Atlanta neighborhoods, it’s also surprisingly not too expensive. There’s also a very pretty mural in the back near the restroom that you won’t want to miss.
Onezo
The popular bubble tea chain finally has opened up a location in Georgia and it couldn’t be any cuter. The inside is completely pink — aka the official color of Instagrammers — and they make their tapioca pearls in-house! Grab one of the most popular Asian drinks in the world, take a seat in a pink wonderland, and snap away.
Mac Lab
This small, minimalist café runs under the premise of being a macaron laboratory. Their pâtissiers are award-winning, and they consistently churn out unique and delicious Instgrammable macaron flavors. Their unicorn macarons went viral a few years back, and they’re not showing any signs of stopping with sparkly gold patterns and crystal geode macaron themes, to name a few.
Jeni’s
Jeni’s is first and foremost, the best ice cream spot in all of Georgia. (I’ll fight you on this.) But it’s also a great Instagram spot! They also have two locations — one in midtown Atlanta and one in Alpharetta. The Alpharetta location feels a bit more upscale and has more greenery and a little courtyard with benches, but the Atlanta one has a big Jeni’s wall and a bridge behind it with some string lights, so it’s really up to your aesthetic. While you’re there, PLEASE try some ice cream! You won’t regret it. (My personal recommendation is the brambleberry crisp!)
Outside Atlanta and Seasonal Instagrammable Locations
If you can make it outside of Atlanta, you can discover a whole new world of Instagrammable locations. The Georgia countryside is beautiful and offers so much in the way of natural beauty!
🚗 If you want to reach the stunning Instagrammable locations in Georgia that are outside of Atlanta, you will certainly need to drive. Booking a rental car on Rentalcars.com here.
Also, if you come at certain times of year, you can catch some of Georgia’s Instagrammable locations wearing their seasonal colors. Georgia has some amazing fall colors and beautiful spring blossoms! Also, if you come in the winter around Christmas, you can experience some of the mildest winters in the entire United States. Thank goodness for the warm climate!
Burt’s Farms
When fall is in the air, a pumpkin patch is an absolute must! Burt’s Farms has all kinds of varieties of pumpkins and squash, corn, hay rides, photo opportunities, and pumpkin-related food products galore. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit — just bring along a bit of money regardless, because you’ll certainly be wanting to purchase something here.
BAPS Shri Swaminirayan Mandir Lilburn
This traditional Hindu temple is absolutely breathtaking. Dropped in the middle of suburban greater Atlanta, it stands out in its pure white construction. Despite being a Hindu temple, you don’t have to be Hindu to visit, but please don’t forget to be respectful if you are going. Also, it should be noted that you cannot take pictures past a certain point, so limit your photos to when you’re outside. Despite this, it’s a marvel in white stone and certainly amazing to take in with just your eyes.
Fausett Farms Sunflowers
Who doesn’t enjoy a huge field of sunflowers? Because the weather is so warm in Georgia, sunflower season lasts longer here than in many other areas. Fausett Farms’ amazing sunflower fields are no exception — in fact, their field only opens to the public in September! To add to the Southern charm, you can even BYOH — bring your own horse! — and ride it among the fields and trails. How crazy is that?
If Fausett Farms isn’t open when you’re visting or just isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other sunflower farms in Georgia! Check out my Georgia sunflower guide here.
Ellijay Apple Farms
Ellijay is known as the apple capital of the south, and the season runs from August to October. If you’ve ever wanted to pick your own apples from an organic fruit tree, this is the place to do it! Depending on when you visit, you’ll have different varieties of apples to choose from, and many of the farms and orchards here also offer things like hog rides and tractor rides. The one pictured below is B.J. Reece Orchards, but you’ll find plenty of other options as well!
Tallulah Falls Suspension Bridge
Tallulah Falls Gorge is a Georgia State Park with a namesake waterfall. The hike is considered “strenuous,” but I didn’t think it was very hard, and it’s fairly short. You’ll want to take the trail that descends downwards towards the base of the waterfall, and about five minutes in you’ll have to cross a large suspension bridge! Personally, I think the viewpoint of the falls itself is kind of at an awkward angle, and it’s not that nice, so I firmly place the suspension bridge as the place to snap a photo in Tallulah Falls Gorge.
Atlantic Station Christmas Tree
If you’re lucky enough to be in Atlanta during Christmas season, definitely go check out the massive Christmas tree at Atlantic Station! I’m not sure of its exact height, but I think it’s the largest Christmas tree I’ve ever seen before in my life. My friends and I used to come here around Christmastime when I was in university to hang out, take pictures, watch movies, and explore the Christkindl market that occasionally pops up in the Atlantic Station square. It’s a beautiful place!
And that about wraps it up for all my favorite Instagrammable spots in Atlanta! I’ll be updating this list as I discover new spots, so file this one away for that perfect Atlanta trip on your visit to the South in the future!
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